Kānuka

The native kānuka tree from New Zealand is well known within Māori culture. Kānuka was used historically to alleviate and cure every day ailments both internally and externally.   

Internal use - The leaves were boiled and the liquid consumed to help with kidney function and urinary complaints.   Kānuka was also used to help relieve blocked sinuses and hayfever.  The fresh seed berries were chewed and eaten as a remedy for an upset stomach. 

The Kākāriki parakeets (Cyanoramphus) are known to use kānuka to rid parasites from their body.  Kānuka leaf contains anti-bacterial and insecticidal properties.  These birds also chew the plant and mix it with their preen gland oil and apply it to their feathers.

External use - Kānuka leaves were were boiled with water, this concoction was applied to parts of the body to ease aches and pains.  The gum of the tree was taken and applied to burns and scalds on the skin.

Used to craft everyday tools - The wood of the kānuka tree is very hard and durable, it was used for making everyday tools and weapons.

The distinguishing features of kānuka - Kānuka is often mistaken with its close relative mānuka.  To the untrained eye looking at both kānuka and mānuka side by side, you would not see the differences. 

The small leaves, the bark, and the stature of both trees look very much alike.   The differences become easy to identify the more you are around them both.  

Kānuka has soft leaves that are not spiky to the touch.

When crushed the aroma of the fresh leaves are different.

The leaves tend to have a slightly different shade of green.

They flower at different times.

The seed pods of the kānuka tree do not stay on the branch like mānuka does.

Kānuka essential oil has an aroma that is considered by many as being more desirable than mānuka.

Kānuka tea is highly fragrant with a stronger flavour.

Kānuka species  - Their are ten different kānuka species across New Zealand. One of the most commonly found is Kunzea ericoides.  A genetic study published in 2014 state the names of all the species.

Kānuka, an ingredient in our product range: 

At Native Tree Farm we harvest from our certified organic stand of kānuka trees.  The leaves are used as a vital ingredient in our organic product range. 

Kānuka contains quality flavours and health properties that lend itself generously to herbal tea formulations and cosmetic applications. We use kānuka in our mānuka calm herbal tea.  We also create a pure essential oil from its leaves.